Partnership for a nurse practitioner-directed student health primary care center.

Since 1991, the George Mason University Student Health Center (SHC) has been a primary health care center directed by College of Nursing and Health Science (CNHS) nurse practitioner (NP) faculty. This model was planned and implemented through a partnership between the CNHS and Student Services. From September 1991 until the present, the number of student visits has more than doubled, and the offered services have tripled without a comparable increase in budget and with minimal expansion of space. The student population now has access to comprehensive quality primary care services on-site at a relatively small investment per student. The focus of care goes beyond simply managing current health care needs by emphasizing prevention of future health problems, wellness, and quality of life. In addition, negotiations with surrounding specialists have resulted in a prompt and cost-effective referral system as needed by conditions exceeding the capabilities of the SHC providers. Responses to student surveys regarding the quality, availability, and cost of care, as well as the process involved in receiving that care, indicate the highest level of satisfaction among students using these services. The CNHS has a fertile, convenient faculty practice site as well as several clinical placements for NP as well as undergraduate students. This NP faculty-directed SHC offers a cost-effective, consumer-responsive alternative for delivering primary care services to the members of the university community.

Professional misconduct in psychiatry: sexual behaviour with patients. A report of recent New South Wales findings.

In the period 1989-1991 the Medical Tribunal in the state of New South Wales conducted enquiries into seven complaints about professional misconduct of a sexual nature incidental to psychiatric treatment. This study is submitted in the interests of patients, profession and public in accordance with the ethos of the Medical Practitioners Act (NSW). It is based on personal observations and published legal documents and refers to the legal context and procedures. It addresses the substance and style of complaints and complainants and of defences and respondents. The names of six psychiatrists and one trainee psychiatrist were removed from the Medical Register. In three instances decisions or orders were unsuccessfully appealed in the Supreme Court. In two instances associated complaints (of illicitly prescribing drugs of addiction and of divulging confidential information) were also found to be professional misconduct. Courtroom pitfalls are illustrated and practical principles explicit in judgements are reiterated.